Geneva Auto show 2011- The European Auto Extravaganza

All that European pride seemed justified when we stepped in the Geneva PAlExpo this March. No wonder, European cars are one of the finest you can ever set your eyes on. This year, in its 81st run, Geneva Auto Show really proved how you can only improve with age. Quite frankly, this year’s show was definitely the best both in terms of the cars on display and the all -enthusiastic crowd of around 735,000 visitors.

We are utterly relieved to say that the economical crisis that overturned the automobile industry all over the world is finally over. The crowd was going gaga for the expensive luxury and sports line-ups. Yet, we all have learned our lessons and ‘Economy’ cars still shared a huge share of appreciation.

Taking on the elite class of the European cars first, one that really made our jaws drop at the exhibition was none other than the 2012 Porsche 911 Black Edition-if only Al Capone was alive today! One fact that we loved about Porsche is how they managed to give two color options for their Black Edition- the mysterious Standard black and the mesmerizing Basalt Black Metallic. With an unbeatable classic look, the performance of this Porsche is also unmatchable with its 345-bhp 3.6-liter flat-6 Engine and the ability to jump 0 to 60 in 4.5 seconds.

When it comes to speed, we saw some worthy competitors for Veyron Super Sport. Pagani Huayra was definitely there to make its mark. The sparkling red car seems like a 2050 version of Ferrari. Huayra is powered by a twin-turbocharged 6.0-liter AMG-tuned V-12 and a 7-speed automated manual transmission. Close enough, a flashing white Koenigsegg Agera R stands with nothing less than 1115-bhp 5.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Shall we add how we loved the carbon fiber Thule ski-box?

Oh, just think of the devil! And there it was, one little red beauty that we can never get over- Ferrari. It is the 2012 Ferrari FF and we don’t have anything to say about it except that it has a 6.3L V-12 Engine powering a 7-speed F1 dual-clutch gearbox and the 4RM AWD system. And if you dare stare for more than you should, the red devil will make you throw your heart in front of its wild crushing wheels.

Sliding down to a much practical line up, we were quite amazed by the European interest in SUVs. The 2012 VW Tiguan is no wonder one of the best looking SUVs we have seen lately. Another mentionable name among the modest variety was the 2011 Subaru Trezia- a car we deem fit for the American roads as well.

Overall, the show was a success bigger than we have seen in years. It is now eminent that the depression is finally over and good old times are back for our beloved automotive industry.